The occurrence of mobulid rays at St Helena Island, Cardno seamount and Bonaparte seamount in the South Atlantic and its significance for conservation

Abstract Data from 369 sightings of mobulid rays St Helena Island, Cardno and Bonaparte seamounts in the South Atlantic are summarised. 50 % (183) were observed a boat, 48 (176) encountered water, which 95 (168) whilst actively scuba diving. 2 (10) ray land. Sightings data indicate that Chilean devil Mobula tarapacana (Philippi, 1892) is frequent visitor to present all year. We document first photographic evidence presence oceanic manta, birostris (Walbaum, 1792) at Helena. Two solitary individuals photographed off north coast June 2018. These confirm previous unverified reports on species occurrence extend known distribution range M. open Ocean 16°S.